By Haruna Razaq

THUS, the purpose of this write up is not to judge others or decide matters that we have no right to decide, but to call attention to the dictates of Shariah.

As it is observed that many of the present Muslim in Nigeria lack Islamic etiquettes due to our behaviour whenever a calamity strikes in our community, country or any place in the world. We use to waste much of our time in criticizing the government, security agents, others who failed to do their rights and some times promote hear say in contradiction to the Qur’an. (see Q49:6).

Therefore our duty when seen some one affected by a calamity is to do the following: (i) To recite the following dua’ recommended by the prophet when seeing someone in trial or tribulation :”Alhamdu  lillahil lazi ‘aafani  mimmab taaaika bihi wa faddalani ‘ala kathiirin  mimma khalaqa  tafdiila”. (ii) To help the affected people as much as we can and in whatever way we can.  (iii)  To sympathize and pray for the injured and the survivors. (iv)  To pray for the deceased strictly according to the dictate  of Shariah.  (v) To examined oneself if one is living a life according to the dictate of Shariah. If not, to change and make necessary correction as early as possible etc.

Furthermore, it should be noted that the place where a calamity strikes may have both good and bad people. When sins rise in a community and a punishment is sent down, it may also affects the good people. While that calamity is a punishment for the sinners, it becomes a source of purification or a reminder for the good doers.

It is usually painful to hear or watch the news of disasters, most especially this days that it has become too much in our country – Nigeria, as grieve, fear and different thoughts come to mind. One walks around with heavy hearts after watching the destruction of human life.

So, if we have not been affected now, who know who is next, so, the fear of Allah should be enough to make us strive for greater understanding of our religion, lead lives of true Muslim by following all the dictate of Shariah and making dawah (calling to the path of Allah).

May Allah Almighty help us all adhere to the principles of this true Religion, Islam, and enable us to be among the dwellers of Jannah Ameen.